From hospital bed to surgical table again:Dr. Kulkarni delivers a powerful message on World Stroke Day after surviving a brain hemorrhage

October 29 is observed as World Stroke Day, aimed at raising awareness about stroke prevention, treatment and recovery. The theme for this year is ‘Every minute counts,’ highlighting the importance of timely action, which helps to save lives.
Common stroke symptoms include facial drooping, tingling in limbs, weakness in the arms, and difficulty speaking. Identifying these early can prevent life-threatening complications. The story of a doctor who fought death and returned to heal others This is the inspiring story of Dr. Deepak Kulkarni (61), a senior neurosurgeon from Indore, who has performed over 10,000 brain surgeries — and once suffered a brain hemorrhage himself during surgery. Despite the near-death experience, he made a miraculous recovery and returned to the operating table to continue saving lives. Record holder doctor In 2001, Dr. Kulkarni’s name was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records and the Limca Book of Records for successfully removing a 570-gram brain tumor. He has since received several national and international awards for his medical excellence, performing surgeries related to brain hemorrhage, tumors, and cranial deformities. The day he collapsed during surgery On August 18, 2023, Dr. Kulkarni was performing a complicated brain surgery when he began experiencing an intense headache — a symptom he instantly recognized from his years of experience as something serious. “It was unlike any headache I had ever felt,” he recalls. “I realized this could be a brain hemorrhage.” But the patient he was operating on was in a critical condition, already in a coma. Dr. Kulkarni knew he could not abandon the procedure midway. The surgery had already been going on for 90 minutes. I decided to complete it, focusing all my energy on saving the patient. He continued for another 90 minutes, successfully completing the three-hour surgery — even as his own life was in danger. Diagnosis: A burst aneurysm in the brain After the operation, Dr. Kulkarni’s condition worsened. His headache intensified, prompting immediate medical investigations. Scans revealed a ruptured aneurysm — a balloon-like swelling in a brain artery that had burst, causing internal bleeding. “It’s a life-threatening condition,” he explains. Patients often slip into coma or die if treatment isn’t immediate. He was rushed to a private hospital in Indore, where Dr. Atul Goel, a renowned neurosurgeon from Mumbai, led the team performing a three-hour brain clipping surgery to control the bleeding. Dr. Kulkarni remained unconscious for 48 hours and spent a week on ventilator support before regaining consciousness. After 45 days in the hospital, he was discharged for a long recovery period.
From patient to surgeon again Initially, Dr. Kulkarni experienced weakness in one hand and leg. Through months of intensive physiotherapy, he regained full strength. Within three months, I was ready to operate again,” he says proudly. “Now, I perform even more complex surgeries than before. His colleagues joke that he’s “sharper than ever,” and Dr. Kulkarni credits his recovery to discipline, faith, and his family’s unwavering support. A second chance at life and purpose Dr. Kulkarni calls his recovery a “miracle” — a gift of destiny and good deeds. “Had I delayed diagnosis or ignored the symptoms, I might have been brain-dead. Quick action saved me,” he says. Now, back in the operation theater, he performs 15–20 brain surgeries every month, giving others the second chance at life he once received himself What triggered the brain hemorrhage? According to Dr. Kulkarni, it was likely the result of stress and overwork — common among medical professionals. “I never had high blood pressure, diabetes, or any illness. It was just stress and bad luck,” he admits. He adds that the support of his wife Jyoti and sons Mehak and Meher gave him the strength to recover. “Their encouragement was my biggest medicine. I realized family support matters most in moments like these.” Dr. Kulkarni’s message on World Stroke Day “Most strokes are preventable,” he stresses. “Balanced diet, less salt and oil, avoiding excessive sugar, and regular exercise are key.” He warns that unhealthy lifestyles are the primary reason behind the rising number of stroke cases, especially among young adults.
He also urges people to recognize stroke symptoms early: Getting treatment within the first 3–4 hours (the golden window) can save lives and prevent long-term disability. Remarkable career and recognition Dr. Kulkarni is among Madhya Pradesh’s most renowned neurosurgeons. In 2019, he performed a life-saving brain surgery on IPS officer Niranjan B. Vayangankar, who suffered severe head injuries in a road accident.
The operation was done on the request of then-Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who personally visited the hospital during the procedure. He has also been invited twice by the MP government to perform special surgeries at the MY Hospital, Indore. ​